chapter 57: Peaked

The contingent cycled for a while before coming across a small group of dragons along the path.

"Guys, don't you think we've entered a dangerous zone?" Mikal said cautiously as he led the cycling convoy.

"I think we should stop and ask the dragons about Luca. I'm curious to know more about him," Tiffy insisted.

Nick interjected, "If these dragons are hunted by hybrids, why would they stay so close to the main bases? Or did Luca go astray—escape prison or get transferred to Mansoon dungeons?"

The convoy halted, debating among themselves.

"It's also strange how hybrids and possessed creatures never get along," William observed thoughtfully. "It's like hybrids bully the creatures in their own ecosystems."

"That must mean they get captured whenever they duel in such hostile encounters," Lama added.

"Perhaps. I heard dragons—or dinosaurs—evolved into lizards. These dragons are some of the last indigenous creatures facing extinction," John chimed in.

"Evolved into lizards? How is that even possible?" Jasmine asked, curious.

"I've studied a lot," John replied. "Evolution did happen, possibly accelerated by spiritual transformations."

"They then misused gem powers, shrinking the offspring smaller and smaller over the years," Jasmine added. "This abuse of magic must end. Imagine, giants turned pygmies! We need to unlock a purifying magic that would neutralize such corrupt powers in time."

"That's why we need the dragons' help on this mission," Elizabeth suggested. "They can fly us from place to place, just like before."

"But how do we start? We need to find Luca first—he might help us build trust with the others," Nick reasoned.

"Maybe we should approach them with meat, then explain our situation slowly. They might listen," Jasmine proposed.

After agreeing, the group moved closer, each holding pieces of meat.

Mikal announced, "We come in peace! Here are our peace offerings!"

The gigantic dragons growled but slowly approached. One sniffed the meat, whimpering, before roaring, "Your offerings are accepted. What brings you here?"

"We've come for Luca. He knows us better. Please bring him forward!" Mikal said.

"Luca isn't here. He went hunting with others. You might wait for him," the dragon replied.

"We don't mind waiting," Mikal said as the dragons began feasting. The others watched, amazed by the spectacle.

"They're not bad after all," Jasmine whispered to John. "Look at them feast—viciously, yet disciplined."

"It's amazing," John agreed.

"But we can't stay all day. We need Luca," Jasmine said.

"Maybe we can ask for shelter?" John whispered.

"Good luck with that!" Jasmine replied with a smirk.

John stepped forward and politely asked, "Excuse me, do you have any shelter nearby? We'd rather not stand for hours."

"We have a canopy base. You may rest there, but don't interfere with our duties," the dragon said.

"We promise to stay calm and not interfere. We're humble visitors," John assured.

"Good. Follow me," the dragon said, leading them to the canopy base where they settled down.

As they relaxed, the group talked quietly.

"We need Luca to convince him to help us get inside Mt. Volta," Jasmine said.

"Relax. Luca will come. He's out hunting but we're covered," John reassured her.

"Good initiative—planning against unforeseen dangers," Jasmine nodded.

"Yeah. We must stick together and watch each other's backs on this mission," Nick added.

"But we should start planning what lies ahead while we wait for Luca," Tiffy suggested.

"Mt. Volta is volcanic. Not sure if it's dormant or active. The main bases are underground near the mountain, so they're safe from lava. But the gems are stored inside the volcano itself—in a dangerous area only hybrids or mutants can access," Nick explained.

"Where did you get that info?" Tiffy asked.

"From online research (knowing beforehand where indigenous creatures like dragons lived) , but mostly gut feeling," Nick said. "Dr. Orville said maps point to the mountain, not underground bases. That suggests the gems and puzzle pages are somewhere dangerous, guarded by hybrids or mutants."

"If the chosen one feels it, we follow his lead. We need to heal this broken world," Tiffy said passionately.

"Changing the system's root causes. We can do it, right?" Elizabeth encouraged.

"Let's relax and plan how to convince Luca and his team," Mikal said.

"How do we do that?" Elizabeth asked.

"I think we talk to Luca privately. If he remembers us, great. Otherwise, we risk ruining the plan. Once he recognizes us, he'll recall the Mansoon basements missions. Then we tell him about the mountain -peak -mission," Nick explained.

"Sounds like a good plan," Elizabeth said approvingly.

"What if it fails? This is risky," Jenny worried.

"Jenny, now that you have the baby, maybe you should stay behind. The harsh environment might trigger allergies or worse," Nick said gently.

"Okay, I understand. But I don't want to be alone with strange dragons who might turn on me. Maybe William can keep me company?" Jenny asked.

"As you wish. William and Jenny stay here. The rest of us will find Luca," Nick decided.

William smiled warmly at Jenny as she cradled baby Billy.

"I'm glad you chose me to stay with you. Do you trust me that much?" he asked.

"You're warm and kind. Despite what happened at the camp, I felt good knowing you," Jenny said softly.

"I loved you from the start, Jenny. I even thought Billy was mine—until the DNA tests proved otherwise," William confessed.

"I'm sorry I ignored you. I was scared of losing Nick, who's famous and a leader. I don't know about my first pregnancy—it might've been someone else's," Jenny admitted.

"I'm sorry too—for any pain I caused when we were drunk. I don't know if what happened was consensual," William said regretfully.

"It's okay. We were young and reckless. I'm not mad," Jenny reassured him.

"My teacher once said your future wife might be in lower grades. Do you believe in fate?" William asked playfully.

"Maybe. Soulmates never truly separate," Jenny said shyly.

"Only if we open our eyes to see it," William teased, holding her hands.

"So, it's a shock that we ended up here," Jenny smiled.

"I don't believe in astrology. I believe in clear choices. When people ignore their true feelings, that's when chance takes over," William said.

"Like a lottery to solve disputes," Jenny added.

"For you and Nick, DNA settled things. But that doesn't mean you'll end up with him. You might end up with me," William said confidently.

"Well, Mr. Confident, I accept your offer. But let's keep this secret from Nick until after the mission," Jenny said.

"Deal," William smiled as they settled in.

Meanwhile, Luca suddenly appeared behind the contingent.

"Whoa! You scared us!" Nick exclaimed.

"It's been a while since the dungeon. I heard you were looking for me?" Luca said.

Everyone clamored until Nick calmed them down.

"We found a black gem and puzzle pages. We heard a main base is near Mt. Volta, but you never mentioned it. We need your help to get there and retrieve the rest," Nick said.

"It's not easy. I was captured for trespassing. I escaped but got recaptured and transferred. I'll help if you back me up against hybrids. I wasn't afraid before, but now that you saved me with your weapons, I'm not afraid," Luca said.

"We've upgraded our weapons. You just need to bring your allies and fly us to the peak," Nick said.

"No problem. I'll bring four allies. Let me explain to them," Luca said, hurrying off.

After a while, Luca returned with four allies.

"They understand. You can hop on!" Luca said.

Tiffy and Nick rode Luca, Jasmine and John took another dragon, and the others mounted their dragons before taking off.

They battled mutants on the way but easily overcame them with their upgraded weapons and skills. After a long fight, they finally reached the peak of Mount Volta.